10419200

Transmission Device, Reception Device, Communication System, Signal Transmission Method, Signal Reception Method, and Communication Method

PublishedSeptember 17, 2019
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

Patent Claims
14 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A transmission device according comprising: a clock signal transmitting circuit that outputs a clock signal onto a clock signal line; a data signal transmitting circuit that outputs a data signal onto a data signal line; and a blanking controller that controls the clock signal transmitting circuit to output a predetermined blanking signal, in place of the clock signal, from the clock signal transmitting circuit to the clock signal line in synchronization with a blanking period of the data signal, wherein the clock signal transmitting circuit is a differential clock signal transmitting circuit that outputs a differential clock signal as the clock signal onto the clock signal line, the data signal transmitting circuit is a differential data signal transmitting circuit that outputs a differential data signal as the data signal onto the data signal line, and the blanking controller controls the differential clock signal transmitting circuit to output, as the predetermined blanking signal, a differential blanking signal in which a predetermined first signal value continues throughout a predetermined period or longer from the differential clock signal transmitting circuit to the clock signal line in synchronization with a starting time of the blanking period of the data signal, and the transmission device further comprises: a first single-end signal transmitting circuit that outputs a first single-end signal; a first transmission switching circuit that switches signal output paths to allow a signal to be outputted from one of the differential clock signal transmitting circuit and the first single-end signal transmitting circuit to the clock signal line; a second single-end signal transmitting circuit that outputs a second single-end signal; and a second transmission switching circuit that switches signal output paths to allow a signal to be outputted from one of the differential data signal transmitting circuit and the second single-end signal transmitting circuit to the data signal line.

Plain English translation pending...
Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The transmission device according to claim 1 , wherein the predetermined period is a longer period than a clock cycle of the clock signal.

Plain English Translation

A transmission device is designed to improve data transfer efficiency in digital communication systems by optimizing the timing of data transmission relative to a clock signal. The device includes a transmitter configured to send data and a clock signal generator that produces a clock signal with a specific frequency. The transmitter is synchronized with the clock signal to ensure accurate data transmission. A key feature of the device is the use of a predetermined period for data transmission that is longer than the clock cycle of the clock signal. This extended period allows for more stable and reliable data transfer by reducing the risk of timing errors and signal interference. The longer transmission period ensures that data is transmitted in a manner that aligns with the clock signal's timing, improving synchronization and reducing the likelihood of data corruption. This design is particularly useful in high-speed communication systems where precise timing is critical for maintaining data integrity. The device may also include additional components, such as error correction mechanisms or signal conditioning circuits, to further enhance transmission reliability. By extending the transmission period beyond the clock cycle, the device achieves more robust and efficient data transfer in digital communication applications.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The transmission device according to claim 1 , wherein the blanking controller controls the differential clock signal transmitting circuit to output a predetermined differential signal different from the differential blanking signal, in place of the differential blanking signal, from the differential clock signal transmitting circuit to the clock signal line in synchronization with an ending time of the blanking period of the data signal.

Plain English Translation

A transmission device includes a differential clock signal transmitting circuit that generates a differential clock signal for synchronizing data transmission. The device also has a blanking controller that manages a blanking period during which the data signal is inactive. To prevent signal distortion or interference during transitions, the blanking controller ensures the differential clock signal transmitting circuit outputs a predetermined differential signal instead of a differential blanking signal at the end of the blanking period. This predetermined signal is distinct from the blanking signal and is synchronized with the blanking period's conclusion. The differential clock signal transmitting circuit generates the differential clock signal and the differential blanking signal, which is used during the blanking period to maintain signal integrity. The blanking controller coordinates the timing of these signals to ensure smooth transitions between active and blanking states, reducing errors in data transmission. The predetermined differential signal helps stabilize the clock signal line at the transition point, minimizing disruptions that could affect synchronization. This approach improves reliability in high-speed data transmission systems where precise timing is critical.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The transmission device according to claim 1 , wherein the blanking controller controls the differential clock signal transmitting circuit to output, as a predetermined differential signal, a differential signal in which a predetermined second signal value different from the predetermined first signal value continues throughout the predetermined period or longer from the differential clock signal transmitting circuit to the clock signal line.

Plain English Translation

A transmission device includes a differential clock signal transmitting circuit that generates a differential clock signal for transmission over a clock signal line. The device also includes a blanking controller that regulates the transmission of this differential clock signal. The blanking controller can control the differential clock signal transmitting circuit to output a predetermined differential signal during a specific period. This differential signal has a second signal value that differs from a first signal value, and it is maintained for the entire predetermined period or longer. The second signal value is distinct from the first signal value, ensuring a clear transition or state change in the transmitted signal. This control mechanism allows the transmission device to manage signal integrity, reduce interference, or enforce specific timing requirements during operation. The blanking controller may also interact with other components, such as a signal generator or a synchronization module, to ensure proper signal transmission and reception. The overall system ensures reliable clock signal distribution in high-speed communication or data processing applications.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The transmission device according to claim 1 , wherein the blanking controller controls the differential clock signal transmitting circuit to output the clock signal as a predetermined differential signal from the differential clock signal transmitting circuit to the clock signal line throughout the predetermined period or longer.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to transmission devices for differential clock signals, addressing the challenge of maintaining signal integrity and synchronization in communication systems. The device includes a differential clock signal transmitting circuit that generates and transmits a clock signal as a differential signal over a clock signal line. A blanking controller is integrated to manage the transmission of this clock signal. The blanking controller ensures that the differential clock signal transmitting circuit outputs the clock signal as a predetermined differential signal for a specified period or longer. This control mechanism helps prevent signal distortion, timing errors, or data corruption during transmission, particularly in high-speed or noise-sensitive applications. The predetermined differential signal may be a fixed pattern or a specific waveform designed to stabilize the signal line and reduce interference. By enforcing this controlled output, the device enhances reliability and performance in systems where precise clock synchronization is critical, such as in digital communication networks, data processing units, or embedded systems. The invention improves upon existing solutions by providing a more robust and consistent clock signal transmission method, reducing the risk of errors in time-sensitive operations.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The transmission device according to claim 4 , wherein after a signal with the predetermined second signal value is outputted, the blanking controller controls the differential clock signal transmitting circuit to output the clock signal from the differential clock signal transmitting circuit to the clock signal line in the blanking period.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a transmission device for managing differential clock signals in a communication system. The problem addressed is ensuring reliable signal transmission during blanking periods, where data transmission is temporarily halted. The invention improves upon prior systems by controlling the output of a differential clock signal during these blanking periods to maintain synchronization and reduce errors. The transmission device includes a differential clock signal transmitting circuit that generates and outputs a clock signal to a clock signal line. A blanking controller regulates this output. When a signal with a predetermined second signal value is sent, the blanking controller activates the differential clock signal transmitting circuit to continue outputting the clock signal during the blanking period. This ensures the clock signal remains active even when data transmission is paused, preventing synchronization loss. The invention builds on a base system that includes a differential signal transmitting circuit for data signals and a differential clock signal transmitting circuit for clock signals. The blanking controller coordinates both circuits to manage signal output during blanking periods. By maintaining the clock signal during these intervals, the system avoids timing disruptions that could occur if the clock signal were to stop. This is particularly useful in high-speed or high-precision communication systems where synchronization is critical. The invention ensures continuous clock signal availability, improving reliability and reducing errors in data transmission.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The transmission device according to claim 1 , wherein the blanking controller further controls the data signal transmitting circuit to output at least a predetermined data blanking signal, in place of the data signal, from the data signal transmitting circuit to the data signal line in synchronization with the starting time of the blanking period of the data signal.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to transmission devices used in data communication systems, particularly for managing data signal transmission during blanking periods. The problem addressed is ensuring reliable data transmission while minimizing interference or errors during blanking intervals, which are periods when the data signal is intentionally suppressed or reduced. The transmission device includes a blanking controller that regulates the output of a data signal transmitting circuit. The blanking controller ensures that during the blanking period of the data signal, the transmitting circuit outputs a predetermined data blanking signal instead of the normal data signal. This blanking signal is synchronized with the start of the blanking period, ensuring consistent and controlled signal behavior during these intervals. The blanking signal may be a fixed pattern, a specific voltage level, or another predefined waveform designed to maintain system stability or reduce noise. The invention improves data transmission reliability by preventing unintended signal fluctuations or disruptions during blanking periods. This is particularly useful in systems where precise timing and signal integrity are critical, such as in high-speed communication protocols or synchronized data networks. The blanking controller's ability to replace the data signal with a controlled blanking signal helps maintain synchronization and reduces the risk of errors in downstream processing or reception.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The transmission device according to claim 7 , wherein the blanking controller controls the data signal transmitting circuit to output, as the predetermined data blanking signal, a signal having an inverted value of a last signal value of the data signal.

Plain English Translation

A transmission device is designed to improve signal integrity in communication systems by managing data blanking during transmission. The device includes a data signal transmitting circuit that outputs a data signal and a blanking controller that controls the transmission of a predetermined data blanking signal. The blanking controller ensures that when the data signal is blanked, the transmitted signal is replaced with a predetermined blanking signal. Specifically, the blanking controller outputs a signal with an inverted value of the last signal value of the data signal before blanking occurs. This inversion helps maintain signal integrity by preventing abrupt transitions or disruptions in the transmitted signal, which can reduce errors and improve synchronization in the receiving device. The device is particularly useful in high-speed communication systems where signal integrity is critical, such as in wired or wireless data transmission. The blanking controller dynamically adjusts the blanking signal based on the last known data signal value, ensuring a smooth transition during blanking periods. This approach minimizes interference and distortion, enhancing overall communication reliability.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The transmission device according to claim 7 , wherein the blanking controller controls the differential data signal transmitting circuit to output, as the predetermined data blanking signal, a differential signal with a value of 1.

Plain English Translation

A transmission device is designed to handle data signals in communication systems, particularly focusing on managing differential data signals during specific operational states. The device includes a differential data signal transmitting circuit that generates and transmits differential signals, which are pairs of complementary signals used to convey data. A blanking controller is integrated to manage the transmission of these signals, particularly during periods when data transmission is not required or when the system is in a standby or low-power state. The blanking controller ensures that the differential data signal transmitting circuit outputs a predetermined data blanking signal when active data transmission is not needed. This blanking signal is a differential signal with a fixed value of 1, which helps maintain signal integrity and reduces power consumption by preventing unnecessary signal transitions. The use of a differential signal with a value of 1 as the blanking signal ensures compatibility with the system's differential signaling scheme while minimizing interference and noise. This approach is particularly useful in systems where maintaining a stable signal state during idle periods is critical, such as in high-speed data transmission or low-power communication protocols. By controlling the output of the differential data signal transmitting circuit to produce a consistent blanking signal, the device avoids potential issues like signal distortion or power spikes that could arise from uncontrolled signal transitions during inactive periods. The solution enhances reliability and efficiency in data transmission systems by ensuring predictable behavior during idle states.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The transmission device according to claim 7 , wherein after the predetermined data blanking signal is outputted, the blanking controller controls the differential data signal transmitting circuit to output a differential signal with a value of 0 in synchronization with an ending time of the blanking period of the data signal.

Plain English Translation

A transmission device includes a blanking controller and a differential data signal transmitting circuit. The device operates in a communication system where data signals are transmitted with periodic blanking periods. The blanking controller generates a predetermined data blanking signal to temporarily halt data transmission during these blanking periods. After the blanking signal is output, the blanking controller ensures the differential data signal transmitting circuit outputs a differential signal with a value of 0, synchronized with the end of the blanking period. This synchronization prevents signal distortion and ensures smooth data transmission resumption. The differential data signal transmitting circuit generates differential signals for data transmission, where the signal value of 0 represents a neutral state between positive and negative voltage levels. The blanking controller monitors the timing of the blanking periods and coordinates with the transmitting circuit to maintain signal integrity. This approach minimizes interference and improves signal quality during transitions between blanking and active transmission states. The system is particularly useful in high-speed communication applications where precise timing and signal stability are critical.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The transmission device according to claim 7 , wherein the blanking controller controls the differential data signal transmitting circuit to output a differential signal with a value of 0 throughout the whole blanking period as the predetermined data blanking signal.

Plain English Translation

A transmission device includes a differential data signal transmitting circuit that generates and transmits differential signals. The device also has a blanking controller that manages signal transmission during a blanking period, a time interval where data transmission is temporarily halted. During this blanking period, the blanking controller ensures that the differential data signal transmitting circuit outputs a differential signal with a value of 0. This means both signal lines in the differential pair are held at the same voltage level, effectively transmitting no data. The purpose of this control is to maintain signal integrity and reduce interference during periods when data transmission is paused, such as in synchronization or power-saving modes. The differential signal with a value of 0 prevents unintended noise or signal fluctuations that could occur if the signal lines were left floating or driven to an undefined state. This approach is particularly useful in high-speed communication systems where maintaining signal stability during blanking periods is critical for reliable data transmission. The blanking controller may also coordinate with other components to ensure seamless transitions between active data transmission and blanking periods.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. A reception device comprising: a data signal receiving circuit that receives a data signal through a data signal line; and a clock signal receiving circuit that receives a clock signal and a predetermined blanking signal that is outputted in synchronization with a blanking period of the data signal through a clock signal line, wherein the data signal receiving circuit is a differential data signal receiving circuit that receives a differential data signal as the data signal through the data signal line, the clock signal receiving circuit is a differential clock signal receiving circuit that receives a differential clock signal as the clock signal and receives, as the predetermined blanking signal, a differential blanking signal that is outputted in such a manner that a predetermined first signal value continues throughout a predetermined period or longer in synchronization with a starting time of the blanking period of the data signal, the differential data signal receiving circuit has: a data signal termination circuit including a termination resistor coupled to the data signal line, the differential clock signal receiving circuit has: a clock signal termination circuit including a termination resistor coupled to the clock signal line, and a termination control circuit allowing the data signal termination circuit and the clock signal termination circuit to turn off the respective termination resistors on a basis of the differential blanking signal, the differential clock signal receiving circuit further receives a differential signal that is different from the differential blanking signal and is outputted in synchronization with an ending time of the blanking period of the data signal through the clock signal line, and the termination control circuit allows the data signal termination circuit and the clock signal termination circuit to turn on the respective termination resistors on a basis of the predetermined differential signal.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a reception device for handling high-speed differential data and clock signals, addressing signal integrity and power efficiency challenges in communication systems. The device includes a differential data signal receiving circuit and a differential clock signal receiving circuit. The data signal receiving circuit processes a differential data signal through a data signal line, while the clock signal receiving circuit processes a differential clock signal and a differential blanking signal through a clock signal line. The blanking signal is synchronized with the data signal's blanking period, maintaining a predetermined signal value for a specified duration to indicate the start of the blanking period. Both circuits feature termination resistors coupled to their respective signal lines to manage signal reflections and impedance matching. A termination control circuit dynamically adjusts these resistors based on the blanking signal and a secondary differential signal synchronized with the blanking period's end. During the blanking period, the termination resistors are turned off to reduce power consumption, and they are reactivated upon detecting the secondary signal, ensuring stable signal transmission. This approach optimizes power efficiency while maintaining signal integrity in high-speed communication interfaces.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The reception device according to claim 12 , further comprising: a first single-end signal receiving circuit that receives a first single-end signal through the clock signal line; a first reception switching circuit that switches whether or not to receive the first single-end signal; a second single-end signal receiving circuit that receives a second single-end signal through the data signal line; and a second reception switching circuit that switches whether or not to receive the second single-end signal.

Plain English Translation

A reception device is designed for use in communication systems where signals are transmitted over clock and data signal lines. The device addresses the challenge of selectively receiving single-end signals to optimize power consumption and reduce interference. The reception device includes a first single-end signal receiving circuit that captures a first single-end signal transmitted through the clock signal line. A first reception switching circuit controls whether the first single-end signal is received, allowing the device to disable reception when unnecessary. Similarly, a second single-end signal receiving circuit captures a second single-end signal transmitted through the data signal line, with a second reception switching circuit enabling or disabling its reception. This selective reception capability enhances efficiency by reducing power usage and minimizing noise when signals are not needed. The device ensures reliable communication while dynamically managing signal reception based on operational requirements.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. A communication system comprising: a transmission device that outputs a clock signal onto a clock signal line, outputs a data signal onto a data signal line, and outputs a predetermined blanking signal in place of the clock signal in synchronization with a blanking period of the data signal; a reception device that receives the data signal through the data signal line, and receives the clock signal and the predetermined blanking signal through the clock signal line; and an oscillator that supplies the clock signal to the transmission device, wherein the transmission device includes: a first single-end signal transmitting circuit that outputs a first single-end signal; a first transmission switching circuit that switches signal output paths to output one of the clock signal and the first single-end signal onto the clock signal line, a second single-end signal transmitting circuit that outputs a second single-end signal, and a second transmission switching circuit that switches signal output paths to output one of the data signal and the second single-end signal onto the data signal line, and the reception device includes: a first single-end signal receiving circuit that receives the first single-end signal through the clock signal line, a first reception switching circuit that switches whether or not to receive the first single-end signal, a second single-end signal receiving circuit that receives the second single-end signal through the data signal line, and a second reception switching circuit that switches whether or not to receive the second single-end signal.

Plain English Translation

This communication system addresses the challenge of efficiently transmitting data and clock signals while minimizing power consumption and signal interference in electronic devices. The system includes a transmission device, a reception device, and an oscillator. The transmission device outputs a clock signal and a data signal on separate lines but replaces the clock signal with a predetermined blanking signal during the data signal's blanking period to reduce power usage and interference. The oscillator provides the clock signal to the transmission device. The transmission device contains two single-end signal transmitting circuits that generate first and second single-end signals. Transmission switching circuits select between the clock signal and the first single-end signal for the clock line, and between the data signal and the second single-end signal for the data line. The reception device includes single-end signal receiving circuits for the clock and data lines, along with reception switching circuits that control whether the signals are received. This design allows flexible signal routing and efficient power management by dynamically switching between functional signals and blanking signals.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

Unknown

Publication Date

September 17, 2019

Inventors

Hiroo Takahashi
Hideyuki Matsumoto
Hiroaki Hayashi
Naohiro Koshisaka

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Cite as: Patentable. “TRANSMISSION DEVICE, RECEPTION DEVICE, COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, SIGNAL TRANSMISSION METHOD, SIGNAL RECEPTION METHOD, AND COMMUNICATION METHOD” (10419200). https://patentable.app/patents/10419200

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TRANSMISSION DEVICE, RECEPTION DEVICE, COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, SIGNAL TRANSMISSION METHOD, SIGNAL RECEPTION METHOD, AND COMMUNICATION METHOD